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Osaka Gubernatorial election 2024
Table of Contents
The Osaka gubernatorial election is scheduled for Febuary 8,2024,wiht Hirofumi Yoshimura as a leading candidate campaigning on a platform centered around the Osaka Metropolis Plan. Japan times.
Hirofumi Yoshimura and the Japan Innovation Party
Hirofumi Yoshimura, the former Governor of Osaka and leader of the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), is running for re-election. Kyodo News. The JIP has a coalition agreement with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) that includes a secondary capital plan, which Yoshimura links to the approval of the Metropolis Plan. Reuters. Yoshimura previously served as governor from 2019 to 2023. Osaka Prefectural Government – About the Governor.
The Osaka Metropolis Plan
The Osaka Metropolis Plan proposes restructuring the city of Osaka into special wards, similar to Tokyo’s system. Nippon.com. This plan has been put to referendum twice before, in 2015 and 2020, and was rejected both times. Japan Times. The current election was triggered by Yoshimura and Osaka Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama resigning to seek a renewed mandate from voters on the plan. Reuters.
Other Candidates in the Gubernatorial Race
Two other candidates are challenging yoshimura for the governorship: Tamotsu Natto, a 44-year-old company manager, and Tsuneki Onishi, a 61-year-old political group co-representative. Kyodo News. Onishi explicitly opposes the Metropolis Plan, while Natto has stated he would only support it if approximately 90% of the prefecture’s residents approve. Japan Times.
Concurrent Elections
alongside the gubernatorial election, Osaka will also hold a mayoral election on February 8, 2024, and a general election. Kyodo News.
breaking News Check (as of 2024/01/22 06:54:48):
As of this date, there have been no notable breaking developments regarding the Osaka gubernatorial or mayoral elections.Campaigning is ongoing, and the elections are still scheduled for February 8, 2024. News coverage continues to focus on the Metropolis Plan as the central issue. Japan Times – Osaka Metropolis Plan Tag.
